LOUNGING IN THE TREES WITH BYER OF MAINE’S MOSKITO KAKOON

BY REUBEN BOLIEU

Byer of Maine got started in the late 1800s in Bangor, Maine.

It first manufactured slippers and then metal and woodframe camp furniture.

The company was instrumental in supplying folding cots to the U.S.military during World War II and the Korean War. It also sewed a large number of canvas products in support of the war efforts, but in the 1950s, it refocused on civilian knapsacks and duffle bags. It continued to manufacture traditional wood-frame camp furniture throughout this time.

Changes in the American marketplace have transformed Byer of Maine from a manufacturing company to an enterprise that now sources and distributes products from around the world, including Amazonas (a brand of traditional Brazilian hammocks and other products that I’ve been using for about 15 years).

MOSKITO KAKOON HAMMOCK

About eight years ago, Byer released a model called the Moskito Hammock. (I know; the spelling seems a little off, but that is what it is called!). I was first introduced to it by Randall’s Adventure & Training instructor Patrick Rollins. He used it on a few trips, and eventually, I had to try it for myself.

This model was basically the Traveller Lite Hammock model with a built-in bug net. It weighs 16 ounces, and the bug net is one less thing I have to take care of. It wasn’t the fanciest hammock out there, but it was light and easy to set up.

Moving forward to Byer’s next-generation version of the Moskito, there is the Moskito Kakoon Hammock, which combines a strong, lightweight camping hammock with fine mesh netting to create a unique, insect-free hammock. This new design is 8 inches longer than the previous model and weighs fewer than 22 ounces. It features triple-stitched seams and reinforced hanging points, increasing the weight limit from 250 to 275 pounds. The no-see-em bug netting closes with a double zipper and has reinforced netting support points. It also features two storage pockets for personal items.